Stefano Di Battista: Round About Roma

The key element providing the feel of Round About Roma is the appropriate use of a full-blown orchestra, the Symphonic Orchestra of Radio France. Along with strings arrangements by renowned Vince Mendoza, who has worked with popular musicians from Joni Mitchell to the Yellowjackets, the music has a richness and openness of sound that transcends the standard jazz recording. A prime example is the classic “Romeo and Juliet,” where the instruments accentuate the melody behind Di Battista’s soloing. The music is lush, cinematic, and elegant, without being overly sentimental.

Di Battista’s own quartet of longtime friends is the jazz glue that holds the recording together, as they perform their duties with expert skill. With thoughtful musicianship, solos are tastefully delivered on selections such as “Roma Antica,” which delicately swings with style and grace as the orchestral strings sing genuinely in the background. The recording closes with “The Next Nine Hours,” which showcases dynamic solos by the bass, piano, and drums, as well a profound statement by Di Battista on alto sax. The recording’s theme centers around Di Battista’s personal view of Rome and its history, with each selection featuring a unique perspective of the city’s life. The end result is an exquisite work of music that engages the mind as well as the heart.

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